It sparked a strong start to the second period for the hosts, with Stekelenburg making a superb save to keep Flores' header out of the far corner from Jonathan de Guzman's set-piece delivery.

De Guzman and Shelvey tried their luck from distance, and it was the latter who broke the deadlock just past the hour mark.

Substitute Nathan Dyer set up Shelvey after nice work from Bony and his strike from the edge of the box took a couple of deflections, the second - and most notable - off Hangeland to beat Stekelenburg and nestle in the bottom of the net.

Fulham had to come out in search of an equaliser, and De Guzman almost picked them off with a driving run and left-footed shot that Stekelenburg leapt high to his right to keep out.

The points were sealed with 15 minutes to go. De Guzman's free-kick was flicked goalwards by Flores and hit Berbatov on its way win, leaving Fulham with no way back.